Why I love March

I love college sports. All of them. I like them so much better than than the professional athletes who cry and whine about getting paid only 10 million dollars instead of the 20 they "deserve." The heart and passion that college athletes play with is so much more rewarding to watch. I was disappointed that there was an extra day in February this year because it meant I would have to wait an extra 24 hours for March to come. And you know what March means. Nope, it has nothing to do with coming in like a lion and leaving like a lamb, or leprechauns or rainbows or pots of gold. The third month of every year, for me, means just one thing: MARCH MADNESS. 64 teams. Everyone with a shot at the title. What you did in the regular season pretty much goes out the window and it's anyone's game. Now THAT is drama. While I would probably like college football better if it wasn't for that dang BCS business, as it is, March Madness is the greatest display of college sports at its best. Here's who I'm rooting for this year:

#1 TEXAS: What can I say. I'm a Longhorns fan through and through. I bleed burnt orange. Why, you ask? I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that I was born not a mile from Texas Stadium. My dad got his Ph.D. from UT, so I owe most of my livelihood to that school. Maybe it's because the 2006 Rose Bowl win against USC was one of the best days of my life (I know, not basketball, but that was a great game!) But mostly, I just love Texas. Hook 'em Horns!!! Not to mention they've got two of the greatest guards in JJ Abrams and DJ Augustin. Those boys are ballas! (Although they did lose to Texas Tech today. Yeah, you read that right. Texas Tech. That's not supposed to happen. I don't care if the coach of Texas Tech is Bob Knight's son.)

#2 DUKE: Coach Krzyzewski (yes, there are 5 consonants in a row in that name, pronounced "Sheshefski") is truly one of the greatest coaches ever, regardless of sport, both professional and collegiate. My respect for him grew so much more after he turned down the offer to coach the LA Lakers (sorry Kobe, not a fan). It was so refreshing to see someone turn down an offer to get paid more and show a dedication and passion for something other than money. In the case of Coach K, Duke and his team was so much more important than his paycheck. What a great guy. The fact that he's a Polish Catholic with five daughters makes him that much more endearing as well. He promotes an unselfish style of play, which will do the professionals on the National Team well when he coaches them in Beijing. Let's hope my boys Paulus, Henderson, Singler, Sheyer, and Nelson can make a better performance than last year and get out of the first round. I'm counting on them to get to the top and hopefully win. And Coach K, congrats on win #800 today against NC State!

#3 BYU, I guess. Okay, so I'm not the biggest BYU sports fan. So sue me. I like watching their games, but I would much rather watch a UT or Duke game. But I do have some loyalty and I hope that BYU can do well in the tournament. I think they're a decent team with Plaistead and Cummard, though I don't like Tavernari so much. I hope they can perform well. I am grateful we've come out of the Tony Ingle days where not even our tithing money could buy us a win. Go Cougs.

Who I'm not rooting for:

#1 NORTH CAROLINA: I hate NC. With a passion. Maybe it's because I'm a Duke fan, but I really just don't like NC. Tyler Hansborough is overrated and is the biggest flopper in the game. I'm not saying he's not good, but seriously.. He's like Shaq. Refs give him the benefit of the doubt and always call fouls when someone even steps near him. I don't care if he's an All-American and good-looking. He's overrated. I will leap with joy when NC loses in the tournament.

#2: See #1

This is not an inclusive list, obviously. Who I root for usually depends on the match-up, but the first three teams I will always root for, and I will never root for NC. I also can't wait to see who will be the cinderella team this year... Make sure you all fill out your bracket and may the best team between March 20th and April 7th win!